The Imaginarium train table is compatible with popular wooden train sets like Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway, Brio, Melissa & Doug, and KidKraft. Its design allows for standard wooden tracks, offering flexibility to incorporate tracks and accessories from different brands. Note that minor variations in track connectors and design elements across brands may exist. It’s advisable to check the specific compatibility information provided by manufacturers or retailers when purchasing additional train sets or accessories for the Imaginarium train table.
While the Imaginarium stores were closed in 2003 when its owner Toys “R” Us, had financial difficulty, it has always been available online. It is a major seller on Amazon.com for those parents looking for a train table that works with all types of train sets.
Using the latest customer sentiment data analysis, we identified what we think are the best Imaginarium train tables on the market right now:
1. Hey! Play! Wooden Train Set Table (Best Budget Option)
The Hey! Play! Wooden Train Set Table features a solid wood design with colorful, vibrant artwork. Thanks to the 75 included accessories and 27 wooden train tracks; it’s customizable. Accessories include train and fueling stations, vehicles (boats, cars, etc.), street signs, buildings, and trees.
What we love:
- High-quality design with smooth edges for safety
- Removable playing surface to play on the table or the floor
We don’t like this as much:
- We might have to re-snap the curved train tracks as they don’t secure tightly
2. KidKraft Waterfall Mountain Train Set and Table (Best Quality Option)
The Waterfall Mountain Train Set and table is one of the ten best Imaginarium train tables for toddlers. It is large, so kids have plenty of room to play with more than the 100 colorful pieces it comes with. There are various play areas for the train tracks to go through, such as a suspension bridge and helicopter landing pad. When kids are done, they can clean up fast using the three hidden storage bins underneath the table.
What we love:
- Storage bins help keep everything organized and tidy
- Features detailed, vibrantly colored artwork for the pieces and table scenery
We don’t like this as much:
- The tracks and roads don’t always align perfectly.
3. KidKraft Aero City Train Set & Table (Best Eco-Friendly Option)
With over 80 different pieces, the KidKraft Aero City Train Set and Table places kids inside a bustling city with mountains, skyscrapers, and other areas to travel through. There’s more than enough room for multiple kids to play with at once, and underneath the table are four hidden storage containers for fast cleanup.
What we love:
- Spacious table design
- Good variety of scenery and locations to play with
We don’t like this as much:
- Gentle play is needed as the paint has the potential to scuff
4. KidKraft 2-in-1 Reversible Top Activity Table
The KidKraft 2-in-1 Activity Table is one of the best Imaginarium train tables for toddlers, made in a versatile design. Its two-sided construction features a train area and a surface for LEGO-compatible building blocks. The set includes 200 LEGO-compatible blocks and a 30-piece train set. The tabletop even lifts to showcase a hidden storage area.
What we love:
- Deep storage space
- A stable design with safe rounded edges
We don’t like this as much:
- Low-profile design can make it tricky for kids to sit at the table with a chair
5. Step2 Deluxe Canyon Road Train & Track Table
The Step2 Deluxe Canyon Road Train and Track Table is a convertible table that flips between a train set play area to a convenient craft and snack table. On the train side, it features multiple levels for more interactive play. Playing is just as easy as it is fun for tots, thanks to the molded-in track and the non-removable bridges.
What we love:
- Quality two-sided design for versatile use
- Sturdy while being lightweight enough to move around easily
We don’t like this as much:
- The included trains could be of higher quality
6. Pidoko Kids Train Table
The Pidoko Kids Train Table is a classic wooden table with a natural finish to fit any room décor easily. It has a toddler-friendly play surface with rounded and smooth edges, and the straightforward board layout gives kids room to stretch their imagination with any setup they’d like.
What we love:
- Easy and fast to assemble
- Works as a good starter activity table that can grow with young toddlers
We don’t like this as much:
- You might have to tape down some of the edges of the paper top
7. Little Tikes Real Wooden Train Table Set
The Little Tikes Real Wooden Train Table Set is one of the 10 best Imaginarium train tables for toddlers, featuring a rolling storage drawer for quick cleanup. As for playing purposes, the table has over 80 pieces that let tots create their city. They can also reverse the mat and design a country landscape instead. It’s compatible with some other wooden train sets too.
What we love:
- Fun and colorful multiple play mat designs
- Rolling storage drawer is spacious and easy to use
We don’t like this as much:
- The table may sit too close to the floor for some kids
8. KidKraft Railway Express Wooden Train Set & Table
KidKraft Railway Express Wooden Train Set and Table have more than 13 feet of train tracks to play with. More than 70 pieces have interactive areas, such as a working drawbridge and a loading deck with a moving crane. After the fun is over, the table features built-in storage bins.
What we love:
- Eye-catching and colorful design pieces and play surface
- Quality interactive sections
We don’t like this as much:
- The bridges might be too narrow for some trains
9. Hape Railway Play and Stow Storage and Activity Table
The Hape Railway Play and Storage and Activity Table feature a simplistic design to encourage a toddler’s creativity. It’s two-sided and can be used with a city or jungle theme. The three-fold structure allows Tots to set up various configurations for a unique design every time. They can build many different track combinations. Once finished, they can store everything inside the table.
What we love:
- Ability to create numerous track configurations
- Easy cleanup thanks to the table storage
We don’t like this as much:
- Toddlers might outgrow the table rather fast
What to consider when buying an Imaginarium Train Table:
When purchasing an Imaginarium train table for toddlers, consider the following factors to make the right choice:
- Age Appropriateness: Ensure the table suits your toddler’s age range, as some are designed for younger or older children.
- Size and Space: Check if the table fits comfortably in your available space without causing obstructions.
- Durability and Quality: Look for a well-built table made from durable materials like solid wood or sturdy plastic.
- Safety Features: Ensure rounded edges, no sharp corners, and the absence of small parts or choking hazards.
- Compatibility: Check if the Imaginarium table matches your existing train sets or accessories.
- Storage and Organization: Consider built-in storage compartments or drawers to organize tracks and accessories.
- Versatility and Expandability: Look for a table that allows expansion with additional tracks or connections to other sets.
- Play Features: Note any bridges, tunnels, or interactive elements that enhance imaginative play.
- Price and Value: Compare prices across retailers, considering quality, features, and durability.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from others who have purchased train tables.
Considering these factors, you can choose an Imaginarium train table that provides a safe, engaging, and enjoyable play experience for your toddler.
FAQ:
Q: Who makes the Imaginarium train table?
A: Currently Imaginarium brand is owned by WHP Global, who bought a controlling stake in Toys”R” Us brands in 2021. Imaginarium train tables are currently sold through Amazon.com
Q: Is Thomas the Train compatible with Imaginarium?
Yes, Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway is compatible with Imaginarium train tables. Thanks to the interchangeable standard wooden tracks, children can use Thomas & Friends trains, tracks, and accessories on the Imaginarium table.
Q: Is Brio and Ikea compatible with Imaginarium tables?
Brio and Ikea train sets are generally compatible with the Imaginarium train table. Their tracks can be used interchangeably, offering expanded play options for children. It’s advisable to check the specific compatibility information the manufacturer or retailer provides for proper fit.